When you read the title of this blog, your first question might be, “who loves false teaching?”  Excluding the devil, very few people do, at least not purposely.  Yes, there are some who are religious scam artists, and who thrive by teaching doctrines that they know to be false.  Paul warns us of these types of teachers.

Romans 16:17–18 (ESV)
¹⁷I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
¹⁸For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

We certainly have to be on guard against false teachers who creep into the church (Jude 1:3-4).  Generally speaking, though, those who cling to false teachings do not realize that they are doing so.  Almost all false teachers believe that they are teaching the truth.  Because of this, it is essential for all who teach the Bible to make sure they are teaching the truth.  Paul instructed Timothy to pay close attention to what he was teaching (1 Timothy 4:16).  How do we do this?  When preparing to teach something from God’s Word, make sure you understand, not only the text itself, but also the surrounding text.  Ask questions such as who, what, when, where, why, and how.  This is called inductive Bible study.

Who is the author of the text, and about what is he writing?  When and where did he write it, and why did he do so, that is, what was his aim in writing the text?  Finally, how did he intend it to be applied?  Then, you must make sure that your major conclusions about the text is in harmony with Bible teaching elsewhere, not contradicting any portion of God’s Word.  When you take this kind of detailed approach into your study of the Scriptures, you are on your way to avoiding falling in love with false teaching.

When it comes to understanding the Word of God, you have to put in the work.  It takes time and effort to become like Apollos, that is, mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24).  Do not take the lazy route by simply accepting what others teach without diligent investigation.  That is a sure way of latching on to biblical error, and then becoming fanatical in your defense of it.

It should be observed that Paul not only told Timothy to pay close attention to what he was teaching, but also indicated that his soul was at stake.  Here is what he said.

1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV)
¹⁶Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

If paying attention to what we teach helps to save ourselves and others, what will happen if we are not very attentive to what we teach?  The implication is that our souls will be at risk, and this goes along with the overall teaching of the New Testament.  John tells us that if we do not abide in the doctrine of Christ, we do not have God (2 John 1:9).

We should abhor false teaching.  The Psalmist said, “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way”(Psalm 119:104).  There are too many who think they hate every false way, yet are clinging to such in ignorance.  Take the time to study the scriptures so that you rightly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), and avoid falling in love with error.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.